The combined entry at 2d-7d-5a was taken from Clement C Moore’s poem ‘A visit from St Nicholas’ (December 1823).

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.’

There were other Seasonal references in complete entries – Greetings, Santa, New Year, Mottos and Aladdin; and also in part entries – Gift, Present. Stretching the theme to breaking point some retailers may even consider that two other complete entries are relevant this year – Net Profit, Three Cheers.

I found this a pleasant solve that wasn’t too taxing – just right for a Boxing Day afternoon in front of the telly. It didn’t take too long to crack the long entry and after that the rest of the puzzle fell fairly quickly. I doubt if it took more than 45 minutes to solve the whole puzzle.

I often get frustrated with puzzles where there are lots of cross-references between clues and entres, but this one was fairly easily to follow. As is usually the case with cross referencing clues, there was one number that didn’t refer to a clue, but was simply a direction to use a Roman numeral.

There were some very smooth surfaces in the clues. Many of these were seasonal which added to the enjoyment. I particularly liked the clues to TSETSE, LEBANON,MOTTOS and E-MAIL

Finally, argue amongst yourselves whether or not ‘rooftop’ is an appropriate indication of R. I’m not going to comment.

A (one) contained in (in) EXETER (South West city) up to but including (before…..arrives) ER (Queen)

EXEAT (formal leave of absence [break])

21

Hidden word (members of), reversed (recall) in parLIAMEnt

E-MAIL (may be sent to MPs to announce a recall of Parliament) &Lit clue

25

RIB (the Book of Genesis states that Eve [first woman ]was created from the rib of Adam)

RIB (a curved member of the side of a ship; also a member supporting the fabric of an aeroplane wing)

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Nice of you to make contact Phi. From the timing of your message, I expect you’re spending the hols at home. There’s many an Ulsterman and woman living the good life out there, including a wheen of my wife’s relations. (Blogmeister, this I know is off-topic, but there’s nothing quite like a setters’ get-together, however distant. Perhaps our next one – are you listening Eimi? – could be themed round an international test match.) I’ve enjoyed, along with many others clearly, your weekly puzzles during the year. Keep them coming. Duggie.